I am a mechanical designer by trade, with a drafting background. I have two beautiful daughters that keep me busy. I have long had an interest in woodworking and am now trying to make time for some small projects to get my feet wet. I built a small table in a class offered by a local woodworking store. I have a little routing to do and some final sanding, then its time for a finish. I have lots of small projects in mind, and would ultimately like to build some cabinets for the garage, and eventually my kitchen. I also have interest in furniture making. I am really enjoying the site and love to see everyone's projects. It is very inspiring. I also love how everybody is so willing to share their knowledge. What little spare time I have is mostly taken up with home repairs/updates. Mostly drywall repairs and replacing all the trimwork in the house at this point.

-- The Christian Home is the Master's workshop, where the processes of character molding are silently, lovingly, faithfully, and successfully carried on.

I have a few questions about what you guys have used to finish purpleheart. I made a tabletop out of purpleheart and want to know what kind of finish others have used. I am looking for something durable (as it is a tabletop), but possibly with UV protectant to try and keep the purple color as long as possible.

-- The Christian Home is the Master's workshop, where the processes of character molding are silently, lovingly, faithfully, and successfully carried on.

I have also noted that purpleheart is a very hard wood that tends to splinter. Am thinking about putting a bevel, or route some kind of edge on it. Am a little hesitant at this point. Will definitely try it out on some scrap first. Any suggestions?

-- The Christian Home is the Master's workshop, where the processes of character molding are silently, lovingly, faithfully, and successfully carried on.

Welcome aboard BB. What 3d program are you looking at? A lot of people are trying Google Sketch-Up, which is a free download. Some people have made really nice drawings. I like the results, but have not had the patience to sit and learn it like the others have. It is great from what little I have used it. Maybe next year I will have some time (and inclination) to use it more.